Holiday Inn Rochester Airport sold, to undergo upgrade

The Holiday Inn Rochester Airport has been sold to a Florida firm, which is planning a multimillion dollar upgrade to the Brooks Avenue facility and the addition of a comedy club, officials announced Wednesday.

The Scottsville hotel is now in the portfolio of Inner Circle US, an Ormond Beach hotel real estate investment and management firm, officials said. The firm specializes in acquiring and turning around distressed hotels and resorts.

Renovations are to begin immediately and continue throughout the year, officials said, and will be in line with Holiday Inn’s standard refresh program.

“With the investment and management expertise they are bringing, and a renewed dedication by our staff, we are confident that this will become the top choice in the area for business and social events,” General Manager Timothy Elie said in a statement.

Refurbishments will begin with an overhaul of the hotel lobby, including new lighting and furnishings, the company said. New carpeting, lighting and furnishings also is to be installed for 12,000 square feet of conference space.

The hotel restaurant will be renamed the Brooks Avenue Grill and paired with the Roc Bar & Grill for hotel visitors and guests.

The Joke Factory Comedy Club is scheduled to open June 21.

“We believe in the potential that this airport hotel can provide to the market,” said Stephen Nalley, managing partner at Inner Circle US. “It is important for us to only invest in properties where we believe we can create a significant level of success.”

The announcement ends a period of uncertainty for the hotel and its employees.

In a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the state Department of Labor in February, former hotel manager American Resort Management LLC announced plans to close its facility and lay off some 120 employees.